A group of volunteers from ICNA Relief have just left the North East region heading to Oklahoma where Tornadoes recently brought destruction and devastation.

Here is their press release:

JAMAICA, New York (May 20, 2013) – A powerful tornado blasted an area outside of Oklahoma City, leveling homes and killing at least 51 people (Update: downgraded to 24). At least seven of the dead are children from Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City. According to initial reports, relief workers have difficulty in reaching to the survivors.

ICNA Relief has activated its disaster response team which is set for immediate deployment in the area.
The President of ICNA, Naeem Baig said, “We are saddened at the loss of so many lives including many children caused by this tornado. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in Oklahoma today.”

He also appealed to the American Muslim community to donate to ICNA Relief, whose Disaster Relief Team is already on its way to Oklahoma.

Depending on the needs in the affected area and of availability of resources, plans are underway to provide the following services:

Information and referrals to services needed to recover

Debris removal

Chain saw crews

Muck out teams

Tarping roofs

Emotional, spiritual, and physical care

Case Management

ICNA Relief has responded to 18 disasters within last two years and was declared New Yorker of the Week by NY1 for outstanding services in the aftermath of hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey. Click here to donate generously and help fellow citizens at a time of need. Click here to volunteer and get involved.

The Islamic Circle of North America is a leading American Muslim organization dedicated to the betterment of society through the application of Islamic values. Since 1968, ICNA has worked to build relations between communities by devoting itself to education, outreach, social services and relief efforts.
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